Saturday, June 20, 2009

I’m a lomographer and didn’t even know it!

Since digging my 35mm cameras out of storage last November, I’ve been spending most of my spare time shooting…and shooting….and shooting.

While always striving to make perfect images, I’ve achieved (for the most part) the complete opposite. Yes, a few images in my on-line “Flickr” photo gallery are, in my opinion, pretty good. Most however, are a bit off-kilter, making me (to my surprise) - a lomographer!

According to the Wikipedia:“Lomography emphasizes casual, snapshot, photography. Characteristics such as over-saturated colors, off-kilter exposure, blurring, ‘happy accidents,’ and alternative film processing are often considered part of the ‘Lomographic Technique.’ Users are encouraged to take a lighthearted approach to their photography, and use these techniques to document everyday life.”

What a laugh I got (and am still having) knowing how “hip” I am without even knowing it (still laughing). Most of the “lomo” credit really goes to the processing lab I use - Clark Color Labs. I’ve been sending 90% of my film there because they are the cheapest lab on the planet earth. They will process, print and scan a 24-exposure roll of film for $4.85us postage paid. We’re not talking fast service here, either. A minimum 5-day turnaround to get your scans on-line and another 4 days to get your prints. If you have any interest in the “lomo” trend, please do send your film to the fine folks at Clark Color Labs. They’ll screw it up…making you a “lomo” king.

Sadly, I’ve realized too late how “hip” I was as I recently switched my processing to my local Target photo center. I’m not a lomographer at all…my new stuff is…picture perfect.

Visit me on Flickr.http://www.flickr.com/photos/michaelraso/

Clark Color Labs:http://www.clarkcolor.com

More on Lomography:http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lomography http://www.lomography.com/

1 comment:

I think Target does a good enough job processing the film, but the quality and color of the prints doesn't compare to my local camera store. The paper is thin and the picture itself looks like a cheap digital print with off colors-ack!

As for Clark, that's funny that I should read this now because I just got back (from the photo shop, not Target!) pictures from an old roll of Clark color film that had been in a desk for the past 6+ years. This was my first experience with poorly stored expired film (the 100+ rolls of Kodachrome I got last year had been frozen, thank God!) and I liked it! Grainy and vintage looking snapshots of my friends and a cat-I'm a fan! I guess I'm a lomographer now, too!